There aren't many humanists around, so when an opportunity comes to meet another, I feel obligated to do what I can. This is the story of my recent experience.

I recently had a complete physical, and a colonoscopy was scheduled with a Dr. Marshall. A member of our chapter, Dr. Strother Marshall, is on the staff at the clinic. Probably the same person, but I have never met him. I thought it was a good opportunity to make his acquaintance.

I got on the table and lay on my side with an IV containing a sedative to make me comfortable during the procedure. The Doctor came in and took his expected place. I couldn't see him. Now seemed to be the time.

I asked: "Are you Dr. Strother Marshall?"

"Yes," came the reply.

"I send you a periodical every month" (At this point I was getting pretty woozy.)

"Oh, what is it?" the Dr. asked, beginning the exam.

"The Utah Humanist," I managed.

"I enjoy it very much"

Just then I recognized the incongruity of the situation, and it seemed very funny, and as my mind went into never-never land, I started to laugh.

Ever tried to laugh in that circumstance? I'm afraid the laugh came out as a giggle, or maybe a cackle. I couldn't tell.

When the exam was over, Dr. Marshall said to come back in five years. I think I remember seeing him and giving a parting word, but I'm not sure. Neither am I sure that I would recognize him should I see him again, nor he, me.

But, we did meet, not exactly face to face, but you might say, humanist to humanist.

--Bob Green